Booth Tarkington

“ Unconscious of the embarrassment she had caused in these several masculine minds, the Swedish lady named Anna led the party onward, continuing her agricultural lecture. William walked mechanically, his eyes averted and looking at no one. And throughout this agony he was burningly conscious of the blasphemed presence of Miss Pratt beside him. ”

“ All over adain, Untle Georgiecums! Boys an' dirls all sin' chorus. Tummence!"
Miss Pratt played an accompaniment, while George, in fine tenor of detestable sweetness sang "I'm Falling in Love with Some One." ”

“ She's out in the yard waiting, so please follow her to inspect the farm."
To inspect a farm was probably the least of William's desires. He wished only to die in some quiet spot and to have Miss Pratt told about it in words that would show her what she had thrown away. But he followed with the others, in the wake of the Swedish lady named Anna, and as they stood in the cavernous hollow of the great barn he found his condition suddenly improved.
Miss Pratt turned to him unexpectedly and placed Flopit in his arms. "Keep p'eshus Flopit cozy," she whispered. "Flopit love ole friends best!" ”